A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is postpartum and is taking docusate sodium to prevent constipation. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A reason:

The nurse should not reinforce to the client that they should not breastfeed after delivery. Group B streptococcus (GBS) is not transmitted through breast milk. It is crucial for infants born to GBS-positive mothers to receive appropriate prophylaxis, but breastfeeding is not contraindicated.

Choice B reason:

The nurse should maintain contact precautions for the client. Group B streptococcus is a highly contagious bacterium, and taking precautions can help prevent its transmission to other patients and healthcare workers.

Choice C reason:

The nurse does not need to obtain a pharyngeal culture from the client. Group B streptococcus colonization typically occurs in the genital and gastrointestinal tracts, not in the pharynx. Therefore, a pharyngeal culture would not be relevant in this situation.

Choice D reason:

This is the correct action the nurse should take. The client tested positive for group B streptococcus, which puts the newborn at risk of infection during labor and delivery. The standard protocol is to administer intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis to the mother during labor to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby.

The nurse should maintain continuous observation of the adolescent.

Choice A reason:

The first and most crucial action when a patient expresses an intention to self-harm is to ensure their safety. By maintaining continuous observation, the nurse can closely monitor the adolescent's behavior and intervene promptly if any signs of self-harm emerge. This action helps prevent immediate harm and allows for timely interventions.

Choice B reason:

Applying wrist restraints to the adolescent (Choice B) would not be appropriate in this situation. Restraints are typically used as a last resort for patients who pose a danger to themselves or others and only when less restrictive measures have failed. In the case of self- harm, using restraints can increase the patient's distress and potentially worsen the situation.

Choice C reason:

Collecting data about the adolescent's mental status (Choice C) is an essential step in understanding their overall condition, but it should not be the first action taken. While gathering data is important for a comprehensive assessment, immediate safety concerns must take precedence.

Choice D reason:

Obtaining consent from the adolescent's guardian for the application of restraints (Choice D) is not the first priority when the patient expresses an intention to self-harm. The focus should be on ensuring the patient's immediate safety, and consent for restraints may be necessary only if other interventions prove inadequate.